Seth Tekper Debunks "Bad" Human Relations Accusation

A former Deputy Minister for Finance, Seth Tekper, who has been nominated as Minister designate for Finance has debunked claims that he has ‘very bad’ human relations with his workers.

According to him, in every institution, in an attempt to ensure that the right things are done, some workers are bound to see you as too strict or unfriendly.

This follows a question put to him by Hon. Baba Jamal, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia constituency at the ongoing vetting of some of the Presidential nominees.

The NDC MP questioned the nominee whether credence should be given to grapevine reports that he has a poor working relationship with his colleagues and other staff members.

Denying the allegation, Mr. Tekper responded that he has a cordial working relation with the staff of the Ministry. He however admitted that some workers took offence when asked to do the right thing.

He pointed out that discipline is important in running a Ministry and appealed to the workers that as custodians of funds, it is their responsibility not to mis-manage the country's funds.

“I have a cordial working relationships…I do admit that sometimes in asking to do the right thing, a few of them have taken offence. Cordiality is important but sometimes discipline is also very important… I would hope to create a balance between this two and listen to the staff that are generally aggrieved,” he said.

The Finance Minister designate promised to do all he can to create a balance between his work and his interpersonal relationship with his subordinates, especially taking into consideration the sensitive nature of the ministry he will be heading if approved by the committee.

The NDC MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, then asked the nominee how he intends to end payments of judgment debts.

Mr Tekper replied that the proceedings and outcome of the Sole Commissioner’s work will be used to enhance the work of the Finance Ministry.

"i'll work with the AG’s Department and also strengthen the Legal Department of the Finance Ministry to curb the abrogation of contracts leading up to judgment debts and subsequent payments," he added.

The Finance Minister designate also answered questions on the late payment of contractors of government projects and the matter of existing ghost names on the pay roll.